After an extensive search, a Wake County drifter was arrested Thursday evening for the slaying of 83-year-old Paula McCance at her home on Monday.

Michael Thomas Clark Jr. was charged on Friday with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony larceny of a motor vehicle, first-degree burglary, possession of heroin and conspiracy to sell and deliver heroin.

If convicted on the murder charge, Clark could receive the death penalty.

According to reports, Clark broke into McCance's 6937 Rock Service Station Road home sometime between 9 p.m. Sunday and 2:30 a.m. on Monday.

He is accused of stealing her purse, credit cards, garage door opener, a cell phone and her vehicle.

The call to 911 revealed McCance's body was discovered by her sister and nephew Monday afternoon around 5:30.

"I just arrived at my sister's house and I think she's dead. I know she is.

"Oh my God ... Oh my God ... Oh my God," McCance's sister repeatedly said on the tape.

In a panic stricken voice, the caller explained to the emergency operator that she had gone to her sister's house and the door was opened just a little bit. Upon entering and calling her name with no response, she went into the bedroom thinking her sister was asleep but discovered she was dead.

"Is she awake?," said the dispatcher.

"Is she awake? NO, she's dead," said the caller.

"Is she breathing?," said the dispatcher.

"Is she breathing? NO, she's dead," said the caller. "There's blood all over."

"Why does she look like she's dead?," said the dispatcher.

"She's ice-cold," said the caller.

McCance was shot once in the upper body, officials said.

According to the NC Department of Corrections Offender Web site, Clark was serving a two-year probationary sentence for a June 2008 misdemeanor drug conviction in Wake County but he does not have a history of violent crimes.

Sheriff Donnie Harrison said Clark was homeless but was staying in a double-wide mobile home at 6941 Rock Service Station Road, which is right behind the McCance home.

"It's sad that an 83-year-old woman suffered from this. I mean, there's no reason to kill anybody, especially somebody that age and somebody with failing health," said Harrison.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.